Indoor combat firing trainer



March 24, 1970 w. A. TIPPl-r 3,502,334

INDOOR COMBAT FIRING TRAINER Filed Nov. 10, 196 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 SCORING COUNTER INVENTOR WYLIE A. TIPP/T ATTGRNE United States Patent C) 3,502,334 INDOOR COMBAT FIRING TRAINER Wylie A. Tippit, 115 Hurley Drive, San Antonio, Tex. 78218 Filed Nov. 10, 1966, Ser. No. 593,333 Int. CL A63f 9/02 U.S. Cl. 273-102.2 4 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE An indoor combat firing trainer presenting surprise targets of opportunity for pre-selected periods of time. The device comprises of an up-right metal screen having apertures, tiltable stationary targets in the rear of the apertures are normally obscured to the marksman by metal curtains. The curtains are raised for limited periods of time by solenoids which are activated by a programmed timer, other running targets move across an elongated aperture at varying rates of movement and speed. All targets are pre-programmed and hits are collectively counted by a mutual score counted. The tiltable targets include an integral repositioning arm which projects ink thepath of an associated curtain when the target is in a knockeddown position. The descending curtain thereby resets the target which has pivoted to a downed position.

This invention pertains to a novel and improved indoor firing range particularly adapted to combat training. The device is designed to facilitate indoor combat firing training of a type heretofore accomplished only on outdoor trainre courses.

The devices heretofore employed as indoor ranges have utilized various forms of motion to present moving targets. These targets may be obscured intermittently by various means of screening to effect an abbreviated shot opportunity. The prior art accomplishes the task of limiting the exposure of targets by moving them across the range at a constant rate of speed obscuring the targets by placing obstructions between the shooter and the target obstructing the view. The target is returned to view as it moves across the shooting stage.

In recent years combat type marksmanship training has been accomplished on trainre ranges by presenting pop up targets on a training range as troops move forward through the course. Targets are presented briey as surprise targets to adapt a trainees reflexes, powers of observation, and reactions to combat type tiring requirements.

This invention selectively present one or more disappearing targets to the marksman through apertures in a projectile proof structure. The disappearing targets are concealed by metal curtains which are selectively raised momentarily to present a firing opportunity to the marksman. If one of the targets is hit, it falls activating scoring device. When the metal curtain is lowered, it strikes a repositioning arm on the target returning it to the firing position. A series of moving targets is presented to the marksman through an elongated aperture, these targets move at varying rates and may be intermittently obscured by movable sections of steel plate of other suitable means. Scoring means responsive to the falling of a target is provided with target repositioning means. The device of this invention is driven by means of electrical energy. A timing device is utilized which is adapted to programming of the disappearing targets. The rate of movement of the moving targets may be varied by the rate of drive of the electric drive motor or by means of eccentric gears in the drive train. Accordingly, this device lends itself to varying degrees of demands to be placed on the marksman.

ICC

No device is known to the prior art which accomplishes realistic combat training on an indoor range.

One object of this invention is to accomplish trainlire on an indoor rie range with the resulting conservation of space for training area and a consequent conservation of time of instructors and trainees.

Another object is to make possible realistic indoor combat firing training.

Another object is to present stationary disappearing targets for a predetermined limited period of time.

Still another object of this invention is to pre-program target exposure, sequence, and time of exposure.

The last stated object of this invention is to provide an electric counter which senses and totals hits scored by a trainee.

Other objects and features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art as the disclosure is made in the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying sheets of drawings in which:

FGI. 1 is a front plan view depicting the general arrangement of the device as it appears to the marksman.

FIG. 2 is a rear plan view partially schematic depicting the general arrangement of the major components of the device.

IFIG. 3 is an enlarged rear plan view of the curtain and disappearing target.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged side plan view of the curtain and disappearing target of FIG. 3 partially in section taken on line 4-4 in the direction of the arrows.

FIG. 5 is a schematic wiring diagram of a scoring means.

There are numerous building methods which can be utilized in constructing the basic frame structure of the device.

In construction of the preferred embodiment of this invention, a foundation frame structure is utilized comprising of horizontal stringers and perpendicular rails. Additional stringers or rails may be employed as desired to increase the rigidity of the structure or to provide suitable foundation for mounting various components hereinafter described. In the event it is desired to construct the device in a portable configuration, it is recommended that one or more I beams be placed in the foundation structure and that such beams extend approximately 2 .feet -forward of the face of the vertical structure.

The vertical structure comprises vertical beams and horizontal stringers. Additional stringers and beams may be employed to strengthen structure and provide convenient structural members for mounting various components on the vertical structure. Referring to FIG. l, a sheet of hot rolled steel is secured to the forward face of the vertical structure. This upright metal sheet 15 has a series of apertures 16 in which, or adjacent thereto, disappearing targets are placed. This target 36 arrangement will be described more in detail later in this specification. A single large aperture or opening is provided across which running targets 24 move. Adjustably mounted in this elongated aperture 17 may be placed one or more obscuring plates 18 whiclv limit the visibility of the moving targets.

In order to improve combat realism of the training device, the front of the device as illustrated in FIG. 1 may be camouaged or painted in any desired manner to give the particularly desired effect.

Referring to FIG. 2, mounted on the foundation frame structure is a variable speed drive motor 19. This motor provides, through the reduction gear 20, the rotary motion to the pre-programmed timing device 21 and also drives the eccentric gear train 22 which rotates the driving sprocket 23 which moves the running targets 24 across the large aperture or opening referred to above. The drive sprocket 23 moves a roller or linked chain belt 25 along the target track 26, which may be provided with a third rail (not shown) which is electrically connected to the score counter 27.

The drive motor 19 referred to above is connected -by means of a V Ibelt, roller, or link chain drive 28 to reduction gears 20 which by means of a shaft drive the timing device 21. Referring to FIG. v2 and FIG. 5, as the drum of the timing device 21 is rotated, electrical contacts are made through segmented sections (not shown) which transmit an electrical impulse to curtain operating solenoid 29 illustrated in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. The length of time a disappearing target 36 remains exposed is directly proportional to the length of the segmented section on the timing device 21 and its rate of rotation.

Referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the details of construction of the curtain 31 of the disappearing target 36 are disclosed. Retaining guide rails 30 are securely mounted on each side of the aperture 16 in the metal sheet 15. These guide rails 30 are constructed in a manner so as to form retaining grooves in which the curtain 31 is slidably mounted. Attached to the rear of the curtain 31 is a lifting arm 32. This arm is pivotally mounted 33 on the vertical structure. Pivotally connected to the lifting arm 32 is a connecting arm 34 which is pivotally attached to a solenoid 29. Referring to FIG. 2, this solenoid 29 is electrically connected by means of wires 35 to the timing device 21 heretofore referred to. When the solenoid 29 is electrically energized, the curtain 31 is lifted and a target disappearing target 36 exposed. When the flow of current is interrupted, the curtain 31 obscuring the target 36 falls.

There is a coaction between a falling curtain 31 which will reposition a hit target. Referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, hingedly mounted in the rear of the curtain described above is a disappearing target 36, illustrated in the upright position. When the curtain 31 is raised and the target is hit, the target 36 will rotate to the rear around its pivotal mounting 37; as the target falls the score counter 27 is activated. This may be accomplished in several Ways.

One method could be through a point contact 38 by moving a spring arm to close the circuit energizing the counter. Another method could utilize an electric eye 40 and a beam of light 39 which the fallen target would interrupt to energize the counter.

In the embodiment illustrated in the drawings, the point contact scoring method is utilized for the tive disappearing targets 36. The falling of one of these targets strikes the activating arm closing the contact points which complete the circuit to activate the counter. Referring to FIG. 2a a source of light 39 and an electric eye 40 is the recommended scoring method for the running targets 24. Experiments conducted indicate that the thickness of the target is not adequate to effectively activate an electric eye counter as it falls, therefore, the scoring device is placed at the end of the elongated aperture. When a running target is knocked down as it passes forward just prior to movement over the drive sprocket 23, the target passes between a light source and electric eye. The passage of the target between the light source 39 and the electric eye 40 triggers the circuit activating the score counter 27.

In the construction of test models, some difculty as experienced in the sliding contact of U.S. Patent #2,793,- O38 which resulted in the recommended use of an electric eye scoring counter for the running targets.

When the disappearing target 36 falls, the repositioning arm 41 moves forward into the aperture 16 underneath the curtain. When the curtain 31 is lowered, it will strike the repositioning arm 41 and return the target 36 to the firing position. As a running target 24 travels over the drive sprocket 23 its Weight will, in effect, reposition the target as it moves forward to idler sprocket 42. The running targets 24 are constructed with a 5 forward tilt and Will remain upright as they approach the elongated aperture 17 for a second presentation to the marksman.

In training use all of its components operate in a programmed predetermined sequence. The ring instructor selects a timing wheel with segments of the desired length and spacing. The rate of drive of the variable speed motor is determined in accordance with the skill of the shooter. v

A fast rate is selected for the more skilled shooter and the slower rate for the less skilled marksman. A timing drum may be selected with orderly even spaced segments which afford lengthy target exposures. Or, an extremely difficult program may be selected utilizing double target presentation in conjunction with brief exposure and rapid movement of the running targets 24. The training device heretofore described is extremely flexible in its application in that an infinite number of varying degrees of demands may be placed on the trainee or marksman.

The hit counter of the individual disappearing targets, and the running targets are all electrically interconnected with the scoring counter.

For example, a program may be selected which will afford the trainee ten (l0) opportunities to re at a target and the operation of the machine discontinued after the ten (l0) targets have been presented. The hits scored may -be read from the counter, the score noted or recorded, the hit counter zeroed, and the machine then reprogrammed for the next shooter.

A modication of this invention which might be preferred by some users would be to utilize hydraulic or pneumatic means to raise the curtains of the disappearing targets. In such an installation, the solenoids would activate a valve which would energize the hydraulic or pneumatic means raising the curtain. The basic principle of operation is, of course, the same whether utilizing a mechanical linkage or a uid linkage, operably interconnecting the solenoids and the curtains.

The invention primarily described in this application is designed to train soldiers. The targets illustrated are head and shoulder silhouettes. For utilization by Sportsmen or for entertainment purposes, silhouettes of animals or birds might well be used. The running target device illustrated in this application is easily adapted to simulate a running deer. Silhouettes of deer, ducks, squirrels, rabbits, and other game or birds may be utilized on any or all of the targets.

It is to be understood, of course, that the foregoing disclosure relates to only preferred embodiments of the invention and that numerous modifications or alterations may be made therein Without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

Having described my invention and its operations, what I claim is:

1. A combat ring trainer comprising: an upright metal sheet having a front and a rear, a multiplicity of apertures in said upright metal sheet, a stationary target pivotally mounted in the rear of said metal sheet adjacent an aperture in said metal sheet, a movable curtain mounted forward of said stationary target, a source of electrical energy, a solenoid operably connected to said curtain, said solenoid adapted to lift said curtain when said solenoid is electrically energized, said curtain constructed and arranged to fall when the ow of current is interrupted, a timing device electrically interconnecting said solenoid and said source of electricity, said stationary target including pivotal mounting means about said said target is rotatably mounted to rotate to a down position and to an erect position, a target repositioning arm integral with said stationary target, said target repositioning arm constructed and arranged to project into said aperture when said target is hit and rotated about said pivotal mounting means to the down position, said repositioning arm erecting said stationary target responsive to contact by said curtain upon the lowering of said curtain.

2. A combat firing trainer comprising: an upright metal sheet having a front and a rear, said upright metal sheet including multiple apertures, multiple targets mounted in the rear of said metal sheet in the proximity of said apertures, a pivotal mount securing each of said targets in the rear of said upright metal sheet in the proximity of said apertures, said targets and said pivotal mounts constructed and arranged to permit the pivoting of said targets between the erect and the down position, a source of electrical energy, a metal curtain movably mounted on said metal sheet adjacent a multiplicity of said apertures, a solenoid operably connected to said metal curtain, constructed and arranged to raise and to lower said curtain, a timing device controlling said source of electrical energy and interconnecting said solenoid and said source of electricity, a target repositioning arm integral with each sad target constructed and arranged to project into said apertures below said curtain when said target is in the down position, the construction and arrangement is such that a raised curtain exposes the target and a lowering of said curtain will strike a target repositioning arm of a down target and erect said target.

3. The invention of claim 2 including an electrically activated score counter responsive to the movement of a target from an erect position toward a down position.

4. In a combat ring trainer the improvement comprising: an upright metal sheet including an aperture, curtain, having a front and rear, said curtain slideably mounted on said upright metal sheet adjacent said aperture and electrical means for lifting said curtain, a target tiltably secured to, a pivotal mount adjacent said curtain said target secured to said pivotal mount and constructed and arranged to pivotally tilt between an erect and a down position, a target repositioning arm secured to said target said repositioning arm constructed and arranged to project into said aperture when said target is tilted to the down position, said repositioning arm is so positioned below said curtain as to be contacted upon the lowering of said curtain, said curtain contacting said repositioning arm thereby pivotally tilting said target to the said erect position.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,104,171 1/1938 Schwerin 273-l05.6 2,307,958 1/1943 Richardson 273-1022 1,121,945 12/1914 Smith 273-1052 2,572,146 10/1951 Henry 273-1052 FOREIGN PATENTS 95,052 6/ 922 Switzerland.

ANTON O. OECHSLE, Primary Examiner MAX R. PAGE, Assistant Examiner U.S. Cl. XR. 273-102, 105.2 

